Mark White determined to prove a point on professional debut

Jone TK (left) and Mark White (right). Photo credit to www.peepmagazine.co.uk 

Mark White is eager to put on a memorable performance when he makes his highly anticipated professional debut, on September 18, at Morpeth Riverside Lodge.

The Birtley boxer was previously scheduled to kick-off his career in the paid ranks on July 24, but injuries to key fighters caused the Relentless Promotions show to be postponed, before the re-arranged bill on August 21 was cancelled.

White, 24, was disappointed at the setback, but believes he is now more than ready to prove his ability, and display the rewards of his hard work.

He said: “I’ve been able to do plenty of training since I was last scheduled to fight, and I’ve improved a lot through that.

“When the opening bell goes it will be time to show all the hard work I’ve done in the gym.

“I definitely want the win and I will get it, but I also want to stand out so people remember me. I can’t wait to get in there and show what I can do.”

Morpeth’s first professional boxing show since the 1930’s includes three fighters making their debuts, as White joins Danny Wall and Paul Gidney.

Also on the bill is Anthony Nelson, who features for the first time since lifting the coveted Commonwealth strap in April.

In preparation for his first professional outing, White has had regular sparring sessions with Nelson, and the 24-year-old acknowledges that working alongside the Commonwealth champion has been a valuable experience.

“It’s great to learn from Anthony. He’s got a lot of experience and done really well for himself. The sparring has been really good, and I couldn’t ask for much better really.

"The amateur game compared to the professionals is very different, and working alongside him has helped me adapt and pick up new things.”

White, who was an amateur national champion, trained under Gary Barr and Ronnie Rowe for a period in the amateurs, and hailed his time with the duo as the best he had ever boxed.

Therefore when he decided to turn over to the professional ranks, he was keen to re-unite with Rowe and Barr at Fighting Chance Promotions.

As a result, White joined Fighting Chance in June, and is assured that the stable’s vast experience will be valuable as he starts his fledgling career.

“I feel settled into the Fighting Chance stable. We’ve got a great group and we all work together.

“The other lads have a lot more experience, so I’ve got them to look up to, and if I need advise I can approach them.

"Ronnie and Gary are great coaches as well.”

White added: “I’ve always wanted to turn professional. And now that I’ve got the chance to do it, I’m going to take the opportunity with both hands. I want to aim for the top and reach my full potential.”

If you, or your company want to to be part of Mark White’s bid for success in professional boxing via sponsorship, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.

An open letter from directors Lewis Pendleton and Ron Rowe MBE‏: “We give boxers a Fighting Chance”

Fighting Chance Promotions were born out of giving boxers opportunities. In November 2013, we collaborated to develop and create unique opportunities for north east fighters. 

And a strong team has assembled since, which includes Gary Barr as trainer, Chris Clayton: MSC Performance Nutritionist, Andre Tulip: Physiotherapist, Martin Nugent and Louis Cunningham: Strength and conditioning coaches, Michael Briggs (MFB media): Digital and social media officer, Steven White: Chief photographer and our media officer, Nathan Orr. 

Strong foundations have been laid for the Fighting Chance stable, and the whole team work tirelessly to put the boxers in the best position possible - which is the least they deserve in such a tough sport. 

Craig Dixon with Gary Barr

Fighting Chance started this journey when Craig Dixon won the International Masters title on Steve Wraith’s ‘Young Guns’ bill. The show was important to build Craig and display his immense boxing ability. It has been difficult to match him since, but we believe his talent will allow him to go on to win major titles.

Jon-Lewis and Travis Dickinson have achieved great things in boxing, and it's a tremendous feat that both have won the Prizefighter tournament, which was aired live on Sky Sports.

After winning the competition, Jon-Lewis went on to win the Northern Area title, English title, and became the first boxer from Tyneside to retain the Lonsdale belt outright.

Meanwhile, Travis Dickinson has boxed in front of huge audiences. The highlight being when 2.6 million people tuned into his fight against Matty Clarkson, which was aired on Channel 5 and was hailed as a fight of the year contender.

In his upcoming fight, Travis has the opportunity to redeem his last defeat when he defends his English title, live on Boxnation, on October 30^th against Miles Shinkwin.

Reigning English light heavyweight champion, Travis Dickinson. 

Following the announcement that Matchroom Sport were coming to the north east after signing Bradley Saunders, we were introduced to Eddie Hearn and duly negotiated that Jon-Lewis and Travis would box on the Metro Radio Arena bill in April.

The highlight of the night for many was Jon-Lewis outboxing and stopping Stephen Simmons to win the WBC International title. For us it proved that by fully supporting our fighters, it provides the biggest platform for them to deliver.

In the past year, we have also kept our fighters busy by working with Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

We have added a number of exciting talents to our stable. Fijian heavyweight Jone TK joined earlier this summer and comes with a good amateur pedigree.

Also joining the team is Mark White who has boxed for England. It’s exciting to see how Mark will adapt to the professional game, and he will make his debut on September 18 on the ‘New Kids On The Block’ show, which will be promoted by Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

Lewis Scott holds a bright future and we look forward to seeing how far he can go in the sport. In the last few months, we have worked hard on getting him back to his best after injury troubles.

We are proud to have provided Andrew Buchanan a final chance in boxing, as we look to provide the opportunities he deserves. We were thoroughly disappointed that his Northern Area title shot fell through due to O’Neill picking up an injury. But Andy’s attitude is second to none, and he would cause problems for any fighter at domestic level.

New signings Jone TK and Mark White

Our team provides unrivalled opportunities having worked with major promoters like Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, Mick Hennessy and Dennis Hobson, and of course our fruitful working relationship with Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

We are happy to work with everyone and anyone for the best interests of our fighters and we are able to get these opportunities due to the ability of our boxers and the dedication of the team behind them. 

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank all of our partners and sponsors who make things possible. Special thanks must go to MFB media, ImagesBSW, Portland Consulting Engineers, Arch Homes, WM utilities, Onesign print and digital, Ravensworth Construction, Zoemick commercials, Wear Mini Mix, Roflow, Winns Solicitors, Intu Metroentre, Made Television and  VGS Global.

Together we are #TeamFC.

Lewis Scott: "I'm back to my old self and I'll show it on August 21"

Images courtesy of Steven White/www.ImagesBySW.com

Lewis Scott has declared that he is back to his former self ahead of fighting on August 21, at the Academy For Sport at Gateshead Stadium.

The Newbiggin boxer dislocated his shoulder in a loss to Rhys Pagan in November and has struggled to get back to winning ways since. (Losing a narrow points decision to Simone Lucas in May.)

However, Scott has worked hard on the rehabilitation of his shoulder and now feels he can re-create the form that saw him begin his career with five straight victories.

He said: “I was apprehensive about my shoulder in the last fight and as a result I was hesitating too much. But I had to get in the ring at some stage.

“This time round I haven’t had any problems with my shoulder. I’m back to my old self. I’m looping my left hands in and I’m putting the pressure on my opponents again in sparring.

“I’m a come forward fighter and we will definitely see that on August 21.”

Scott joined the Fighting Chance set-up in January, and is assured that the switch has had a positive impact on his career.

“My nutritionist Chris Clayton has worked wonders with me. Normally I don’t eat well, but he’s got me back on target,” he added.

“Ronnie Rowe (Fighting Chance chief coach) and Gary Barr (Fighting Chance coach) speak for themselves. They are legends in the North East and it’s doing me the world of good. I’m firing on all cylinders.

“Travis Dickinson, Jon-Lewis Dickinson and Craig Dixon are all established fighters and you don’t get to that level without a good coach. You can be as talented as you want, but you need a good team to take you to the next level.

“All the work with the Fighting Chance team is paying off and I need to showcase it on August 21.”

Any tickets that were purchased for the original date are valid for the rescheduled show. Tickets start at £35 and can be bought from any boxers on the bill, or from www.wraithpromotions.com.

**SPONSORS REQUIRED FOR FIGHTERS ON AUGUST 21 'SUMMER SHOWDOWN' SHOW**

Andrew Buchanan, Lewis Scott and Jone TK are featuring on the August 21 ‘Summer Showdown 1’ show at the Academy For Sport at Gateshead Stadium.

Buchanan’s Northern Area title shot against Gregg O’Neill is the shows headliner, while Lewis Scott looks to avenge his defeat to Simone Lucas and heavyweight Jone TK makes his professional debut.

The Fighting Chance stable are working hard in their preparations and need your help in paying for training costs- which include physiotherapy, strength & conditioning and training supplements.

In return, the sponsorship packages on hand are the perfect opportunity for your business.

The headline sponsor package, which involves the Northern Area title clash between Andrew Buchanan and Gregg O’Neill includes:

-Branding on two corner posts on August 21

-Full-page advert in programme

-Logo on fighters t-shirts

-Logo on trainers t-shirts

-Announcements during the show, which will advertise your business.

-Branding at press conference, weigh-in and during the show

-Logo to feature during live YouTube stream

-Credits in all local press and press releases

-Logo on Fighting Chance TV interviews

-Plus 5 VIP Tickets

Alternatively, the separate boxer sponsorship package includes:

-Branding on t-shirt of boxer

-Branding on t-shirt of trainer

-Framed signed photo from boxer

-Half page advert

-Plus 2 VIP Tickets

If interested, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.